2017-2018 Alabama State University ASUbotics Rover Team

Dr. Cadavious Jones played a pivotal role in leading the Alabama State University (ASU) ASUbotics Rover Team during the 2017-2018 academic year, culminating in their participation in the 2018 NASA Human Exploration Rover Challenge. Held at the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, this international competition aimed to stimulate interest in STEM disciplines and challenge students to design, construct, and test technologies for mobility devices that could perform in various environments.

Under Dr. Jones' leadership, the ASUbotics Rover Team—a multidisciplinary group of dedicated students from ASU—embarked on a journey that combined both technical and soft skills development. The competition, sponsored by NASA, provided the team with a unique hands-on opportunity to delve into engineering topics beyond the typical classroom curriculum. The challenge also emphasized the importance of creating multi-terrain mobility technologies, crucial for exploring surfaces outside of Earth.

The ASUbotics Rover Team's structure primarily evolved from the university's Robotics Club and included several students recruited from the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) chapter at ASU. Despite many team members having no prior experience in mechanical engineering, drafting, or fabrication, Dr. Jones guided them through a rigorous and structured development process. The team was divided into four main divisions: frame, mechanical, electrical, and software. Each division had a leader who reported to other sections, ensuring continuous communication and efficient work distribution.

From May 14-18, 2018, the ASUbotics Rover Team competed at the Kennedy Space Center, marking a significant milestone as the first team in ASU's history to participate in the NASA Human Exploration Rover Challenge. Among 104 international teams, ASU was one of only two Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) competing, highlighting their significant achievement. Dr. Jones' mentorship and the team's dedication resulted in a successful project cycle, beginning in July 2017 and culminating in the Spring of 2018.

The experience not only allowed the students to gain technical skills but also fostered teamwork, problem-solving, and communication—essential skills for future scientists and engineers. Dr. Jones' leadership was instrumental in navigating the team through the complexities of the project, ensuring a meaningful and educational experience for all participants.